September 19/00 12:04 pm - Kelly Retires & Marries, B.C. 'Cross, Olympic Update, Alberta News

Posted by Editor on 09/19/00
 

Paul Kelly Retires (and Marries!)

National team road racer Paul Kelly has officially announced his retirement from racing. Paul left his Italian-based team in the summer, put off by the rampant use of illgal performance enhancing substances. He returned to North America, rode with the national team and was picked up by Navigators after a strong performance in Beauce.

He also had a very strong ride at the national championships, finishing 4th. Paul opened the eyes of many Canadian cycling enthusiasts to the rigours of living and racing full-time in Europe, with his frequent reports from Italy. While we are sorry to see him drop out of pro racing, we wish him all the best as he builds a life after cycling.

Finally, special congratulations to Paul and Christen Grow, who married this past weekend in Calgary!


Cyclo-Cross Racing Returns to Victoria!!!

Great courses, fast, fun and exciting to race or watch!!

September 24, 9:30 AM
Princess Mary Restaurant.
Point Hope Shipyard, Between Bay and Johnstone St Bridges

October 8, 9:30 AM
Juan de Fuca Velodrome

October 15, 9:30 AM
Princess Mary Restaurant
Point Hope Shipyard, Between Bay and Johnstone St Bridges

October 22, 9:30 AM
Venue TBA

- All races $8 entry fee per race or $25 for the series
- Prizes for overall and draws
* All entrants must be a member of a cycling club or hold a valid racing license (road or MTB)
- Road, MTB and Cross bikes allowed Cross bikes will be advantageous
- More info, coach@InternationalCyclingCoaches.com or call 250-883-1949


Olympic Note

Emmanuel Magnien of France has been dropped from the French road squad after it was decided that his 6 month suspension for a positive cortico-steroid test at the Tour would start before the Olympics, instead of after. Christophe Capelle will replace him.


Alberta News
(courtesy GF and ABA)

- Cyclo-cross clinic: The ABA presents the first of two 'cross clinics this Friday evening at Canada Olympic Park. All riders are welcome to attend. The clinic begins at 6:30 p.m., at the start/finish line immediately south of the daylodge.

- Canada Games fall camp. The ABA will be hosting a camp for all CSG-eligible athletes this weekend, tied in with the Cyclo-cross race at Canada Olympic Park. The camp will focus on winter training and mountain biking. Male riders born 1984 through 1981 and female riders born 1984 through 1979 are invited. Please contact the ABA for more details.

- Women's Mountain Bike Camp in Jasper, September 30 - October 1 is full!

- October 13 and 14 is the Alberta Bicycle Association Casino in Edmonton. We are still looking for volunteers to fill spots on the Friday; if you are available and interested please contact the ABA office.

Cyclo-cross Schedule:

September 23 Thighs of Thunder,Canada Olympic Park - Calgary
Organizer: Walter Stutz & James Radke (403) 247-5475
Entry fee: $20.00

October 1 Stony Scrambler, Stony Plain - near Edmonton
Organizer: Fern Jordan & Harvey Heinrichs (780) 963-6693
Entry fee: $15 for licensed, $20 for citizens.
Events start at noon for licensed riders.
The course has been inspected, and it has been decreed that the hilly terrain is too challenging for road bikes - suspension and knobby mountain bike tires are a must!

October 8 Pedalhead 'cross, Edmonton
Organizer: Pedalhead (780) 433-2085

October 15 Velociraptor, Edmonton
Organizer: Sean Barr (780) 468-7001
Entry fee: $15 pre-registration (Oct 8), $5 late fee.
Races start at 10:00 a.m.

October 22 Juventus 'cross, Edmonton
Organizer: John Stephen (780)432-9175
Entry fee: $20.00

October 28 Provincial Championships, Canmore Nordic Center
Organizer: Carl Moreau (403) 609-3772
Entry fee: $20.00

November 4-5 National Championships, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School - Okotoks
Organizer: Andy Holmwood & Steve McCarthy (403) 217-8118

The ABA will be offering a special 'cross license, for riders who have yet to purchase a 2000 racing license. This license will sell for $50.

As well, the ABA has created a "Provincial Cyclo-cross Cup" points series, which will reward participation and performance at provincial events.